Apparatus for projecting an object

a technology for objects and objects, applied in the field of objects for projecting or launching objects, can solve the problems of elderly owners, tiring owners, and limited enjoyment of games, and achieve the effect of preventing or reducing the tendency of animals to pick up objects

US20110303208A1Inactive Publication Date: 2011-12-15CHINA IND
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2011-12-15
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

Apparatus for projecting an object such as a ball is described. The apparatus comprises a support for the object to be projected, an impeller assembly configured to transfer energy to the object to project it away from the apparatus; and an actuating mechanism operable by a user interaction with the apparatus. The impeller assembly may be driven mechanically by the actuating mechanism by transfer of energy input by the user interaction. The apparatus may be used for an animal and in particular a dog. The described apparatus removes the need for a further power supply and so avoids unnecessary energy consumption and provides advantages in relation to cost, reliability, and longevity. Embodiments of the invention are modular in nature which greatly assists in training the animal to use the apparatus.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for projecting or launching an object, such as a ball, and in particular to a mechanical device for projecting a ball. Embodiments of the invention have particular application to exercising animals such as dogs.

[0002] Many people enjoy interacting with animals and pets for companionship, relaxation and exercise. Dogs can make particularly agreeable pets due to their ability to be trained and their general playfulness. Many breeds of dog are natural retrievers, and games of chase or fetch, which involve a dog owner throwing an object such as a stick or ball to be chased and retrieved by the animal, are a popular way of playing with and exercising a dog.

[0003] However, the game requires repeated throwing by the dog owner, which can become tiring for the owner before the animal is sufficiently exercised. Enjoyment of the game may also be limited to the ability of the dog owner to throw the object a reasonable distance, which may be diff...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0042]Referring firstly to FIG. 1, there is shown generally depicted at 10, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus is configured to project an object, which in this case is a ball 12, into the air. The apparatus comprises a frame 14 which supports the operating parts of the apparatus. The frame 14 comprises a base 16 and a housing 18 upstanding from the base 16. The housing 18 contains an impeller assembly, generally shown at 20, which comprises a flywheel 22 rotationally mounted to the frame 14. The flywheel comprises a formation 24 which extends radially from the flywheel 22. In this embodiment, the housing surrounds the flywheel, with sufficient clearance to prevent the formation 24 from touching the inner surface of the housing. Thus certain moving parts of the apparatus are not exposed during use, improving safety in operation and increasing robustness and resilience.

[0043]The apparatus also comprises a support member 26, arranged to support the...